Negative Sides of Prosthetics
Hugh Herr’s work on bionics seems to have changed our perception of disability for the better.// However, there may be some negative aspects.//

　　One of the problems of bionic prosthetic limbs is that they are still very expensive.// While some fortunate people can enjoy the benefit of the advanced technology, only a few can afford the “luxury.”// As of 2020, the robot-powered ankle-foot prosthesis cost 40,000–50,000 dollars.// Not only that, special surgery would be needed to fit the prosthesis on properly.//
　　Globally, there are billions of people who cannot access even basic health services.// Even if bionics can help overcome disabilities, it threatens to widen the gap between rich and poor in terms of quality of life.//
　　There is another issue to be considered.// Bionic prosthetic limbs are able to enhance people’s performance, making them far superior to ordinary human beings.// This means that the wearer becomes faster and stronger, free of the fatigue that limits biological limbs.// A runner with two artificial legs was banned from the 2008 Summer Olympics, after a scientific study showed the legs gave him an unfair advantage.// There are many concerns regarding how the evolution of bionics may impact our future society for better or for worse.//
　　In general, Herr seems to be quite positive.// He believes that his research will fundamentally redefine humanity.// He predicts that by the end of this century, humans will evolve into a totally different form, drastically expanding their potential in many ways.// He states: “Humans may ...extend their bodies into nonhuman structures, such as wings, controlling and feeling each wing movement within the nervous system.// Humanity will take flight and soar.”// Herr seems to be envisioning a future where humans evolve beyond what nature intends.//
　　Herr’s vision of the future may not be so happy and bright, however.// Herr himself admits that there is risk involved in the new technology.// He says, “Whenever there’s new technology, there are ways to use that technology that are inappropriate and harmful to individuals in society.”//
　　Take the case of genetic manipulation technology, for example.// If parents can design their future babies, it may lead to the collapse of human diversity.// Herr says, “Human beings tend to have a very narrow view of what intelligence is and what beauty is.// And we should not be in the position of deciding how future humanity thinks and looks.”//
　　Still, Herr is quite optimistic.// He maintains that if we adhere to the values of individual freedom and human diversity, we should be able to conquer disability and disease in this century.//
　　Many of today’s popular films—such as The Terminator , RoboCop  and Iron Man —show bionic features being weaponized.// Could these films be warning us about our future inventions or evolution?// Or can we be as optimistic as Hugh Herr?//